King George glare: reflections on the (re)design of Brisbane's city square

Public spaces are important sites in the definition and practice of public space. Physically, public squares located at the crossroad of streets are hubs which experience the flows of city life in its people, lights and sounds. Since its creation more than a century ago King George Square in central Brisbane, Australia has been an influential public space both int terms of the functional roles it plays but also in terms of its symbolic and political importance. Originally named Albert Square in honour of Queen Consort Prince Albert of the United Kingdom, the square has borne witness to the changing priorities and ideologies of Brisbane's political elites.These symbolic and political changes have been reflected in, or perhaps even shaped by the physical design and use of the square itself. Once celebrated as a place of civic pride, the latest redevelopment of King George Square has attracted widespread criticism and concern. A combination of hard exposed surfaces, the removal of natural elements, and an obvious emphasis on commercialisation and behaviour management strategies has alarmed many residents and commentators. The redevelopment of the square - both through its design and regulatory function - has had a significant impact on the way the square is, or indeed can be, used. This chapter considers the implications of the changing landscape of this public space. In particular, we wonder whether the appropriation of public space by the public in a liberal democracy like Australia can ever truly be threatened by design, control, commercialisation and behaviour management strategies? We hope that this chapter provokes wider consideration of the role of central city squares in the lives of citizens.